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Sun, Dec 14, 2025 | Jumada al-Thani 23, 1447 | Fajr 05:33 | DXB 
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145km off-road adventure: KT Desert Drive 2025 ends with music, fire shows, family fun
Despite a long and exhausting day, the camp buzzed with energy — people laughed, took group photos, and cheered for every car rolling in after sunset
Hours after the KT Desert Drive convoy disappeared into the dunes, the first groups of cars began rolling back into base camp just after 4pm, covered in sand and carrying tired but excited drivers. The event, organised by Khaleej Times and presented by Legend Motors 212, was not just about the adrenaline of dune driving; participants ended the day with a full evening of entertainment at the camp, with shows, food stalls and activities.
Families stepped out stretching their backs, kids ran ahead holding their badges, and groups of friends gathered to compare their toughest climbs. The mood was lively and relaxed after more than 120 to 145 kilometres of off-road driving.
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Cannon Wang, VP of Legend Holding Group, said many drivers were curious about the 212 and how it performs on the dunes.
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“People want to feel the car, not just look at it. They told us the chassis and power delivery are built for off-roading. That is exactly why we wanted to bring it to KT Desert Drive,” he said.
Saif El Akkary, General Manager, Legend Motors Group, said the model carries a long technical history and was tested thoroughly before being introduced to UAE drivers.
“This car has roots that go back to the 1960s in China. We tested it in the UAE desert for a full year before bringing it here. It used to be a military car, so the frame, chassis and torque make it suitable for this terrain,” he said.
He added that demand has increased since the launch two weeks ago and that the brand wanted participants to experience the vehicle in real sand conditions.
As the return flow continued, drivers talked about soft sand sections, steep climbs and moments where cars had to help each other through the route. Marshals moved between vehicles checking engines and guiding late arrivals into the parking rows.
Some participants were still catching their breath. Marwan Almogezwi, who joined with two friends, laughed when asked why they looked exhausted. “We went all the way to the fourth checkpoint. We came back alive, so that means we drove well,” he said, adding that this was their first time, and they all came from Dubai.
"We go off-road all the time, but this is the first time we do it with so many people. It was exciting," he noted.
As sunset approached, the atmosphere shifted from high adrenaline to full relaxation. The camp came alive again with fresh music, people queuing for food and children running between the tents. A tanoora dancer began performing just after dark, followed by a fire show that pulled crowds to the centre stage. A small games corner kept kids busy, while families sat around the seating area sharing stories from the drive.
Groups who met earlier on the track reunited again near the stalls. Some were comparing tyre pressure. Others were replaying videos from the morning. Even those who got stuck said it was part of the fun. One participant joked, “If you did not get stuck once, did you even off-road?”
Despite the long day and early start, the energy at the camp stayed high. People were laughing, taking group photos and cheering for every car that rolled in after sunset.
Sponsors fuelling the ride
Official Presenting Sponsor: Legend Motors – Dealerships | 212
Official Tyre Sponsor: Bridgestone | Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal
Official Lubricant Partner: Valvoline
Off-road Partner: Dubai Off-roaders
Venue Partner: The Dunes Camping & Safari
Powered By: Amaron
Lifestyle Partner: RAK Properties
Signage Partner: The JK Diary FZC-LLC
Hydration Partner: Al Shalal
Catering Partner: Zaitoona Catering
Waad Barakat
Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.
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